Carl Spears

On April 10, 1937 in Gonzales, Texas, Carl Spears was born to the union of Cornelius Spears, Jr. and Willie Mae Hopkins Spears. He was the second of 10 children. His parents later moved to Corpus Christi, Texas where Carl grew up. Under the guidance of his parents, Carl learned about Christianity and accepted Christ early in life. He attended St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. John W. Williams.

He attended Booker T. Washington Elementary School and Solomon Coles Junior and Senior High School where he graduated in 1955. Carl then went on to Delmar Junior College and received is associate’s degree in biology. He continued his academic pursuits at Prairie View A&M University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1959 and received a Master of Science from Governor’s State University.In search of more professional equality, Carl left Corpus Christi and moved to Chicago to join his eldest brother, Arthur Spears. In 1964, his close family friend, Velma Wilson, introduced him to the love of his life, Bonnie Ray Jenkins. The two united in marriage on June 28, 1968. During this 49-year marriage, God blessed them with two wonderful daughters, Karla and Karen Spears. Continuing his ties to the church, he joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois under the leadership of Rev. Wilbur Daniels. While there, he was an active member in the Antioch Brotherhood Union and attended Sunday school.

Carl worked for the Chicago Public Schools for 45 years. He taught biology chemistry and physics at Farragut High School. Although he had a desire to be a medical doctor, he inspired and motivated many of his students to enter the field of medicine. He was also the Men’s Track Team coach where he mentored many of the young men.. He continued teaching science at Simpson Alternative High School before retiring.

Carl had a profound impact on his community and anyone fortunate enough to know him. He had passion for photography and he loved to play golf. He was an active member of his high school and college alumni as well as an active member of his Houston church and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Cornelius and Willie Mae Spears, brothers – Arthur (Bobbie) and Otis Spears (Maria), sisters - Marjorie O’Neal and Joyce Spears. He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Spears, and daughters, Karla and Karen Spears, grandson, Kaleb Pettway, two sisters – Odessa Holland and Beverly Spears , three brothers - Lee Spears (Ada), Abner B. Spears (Willie B.), Marvin Spears (Linda), and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.